29 Ombré Nail Ideas That Modernize the Classic Colorful Mani

While manicure trends are constantly changing, some looks will always be in style, like classic French tips, a good neutral polish, and the fun of ombré nails. While ombré in all its forms has been trending long enough for many of us to associate it with past eras (2010s ombré hair, anyone?), there are so many variations on this gradient look that feel fresh for modern times. Whether you prefer a vivid color progression, a touch of glitter, or a subtle French ombré, you can absolutely find a mani here that fits your tastes and upgrades your nail look. Ahead, see 29 stunning ombré nail ideas worth trying this season and beyond.

Vibrant Gradient

As the weather starts to warm up for summer, we’re embracing the bright colors that come with it. This manicure uses green, yellow, and orange for a warm, joyful look, but you can adapt the combo to feature your trio of choice.

Black Ombré Grunge

Who thought finishing an ombré manicure with a thin French tip would be this mesmerizing? This black-and-silver nail look is perfect for a special occasion but also subdued enough for everyday wear.

Hot Pink

A hot pink gradient is in order this summer. If you’re not a fan of pink, this vivid-to-neutral ombré will also look great with any shade you prefer.

Multicolored Pastels

If you love pastels but are looking for a fresh take, these multicolored pastel ombré nails are a gorgeous option for transitioning from spring to summer and beyond.

Celestial Charm

This ethereal nail look features a gold-and-brown shimmer gradient underneath silver celestial charms. It's the kind of mani that goes with almost anything yet is also certain to turn heads on a night out.

Golden Glitter

This golden manicure is a fun option for wearable glamour, and it's sure to give you a serotonin boost every time you look at it.

Multicolored Glitter

Who knew glitter could be so elegant? This is a gorgeous option for anyone who wants to try the ombré look but isn’t sold on a vivid color gradient. Even though this is glitter, it still feels natural and subdued.

Cotton Candy

This pink-and-blue ombré manicure reminds us of summer carnivals. The palette looks just like cotton candy, and the subtle pastel take on pink-to-blue here feels simultaneously vivid and understated.

Chrome Forest Green

No modern nail inspiration roundup would be complete without a chrome option. We’re loving this deep green ombré take on the chrome manicures that have taken the nail world by storm, as it feels like a unique way to keep up with the trend.

French Ombré

We can’t have an ombré nail roundup without a trusty French ombré look, which seems to always do us right. The neutral palette is incredibly wearable yet also sure to garner tons of compliments as everyone notices the subtly intriguing design.

Confetti Rainbow

If you’re starting to think about what manicures you’re going to get for pride month, we think this festive and sparkly option is worth considering. The confetti glitter gives this already vivid manicure an extra boost of fun.

Pink Shimmer

A little shimmer provides a mesmerizing touch to any mani. To achieve this look, create the ombré base with peach and pink polishes and a nail sponge, then top it off with a layer of shimmer polish on top.

Mini Heart Confetti

Hearts are a sweet design choice for all year round, and this pink ombré manicure with heart confetti is sure to make you smile. Feel free to adjust the shades if you want something that feels a little less traditional.

Tropical Tie-Dye

These tie-dye nails remind us of sorbet twists and beach vacations, which makes them ideal for warmer weather. The matte top coat is a unique addition that gives this look a modern edge.

Orange Creamsicle

You'll be ready for the ice cream truck to stop by with your favorite orange creamsicle pop in tow after getting this stunning manicure. These warm tones will carry you through the heat of summer and even into the fall.

Chocolate Brown

These ombré brown nails are ideal for those who prefer neutrals, with an elegant chocolate tip blending into a lighter beige. Don't forget the glossy top coat for a quiet luxury moment that will bring understated modern elegance to any outfit.

Horizontal Sunset

A unique take on the ombré manicure is this horizontal gradient, which is possible to recreate with any color palette you like. This purple-to-peach progression reminds us of summer sunsets, with the shimmery top coat having a celestial feel.

Overcast Clouds

Summer doesn’t always mean clear skies, and this manicure highlights the beauty in the days when the sun just can’t seem to make it out from behind the clouds. If you like to DIY, you might want to try out these cloud nail stickers ($9), but otherwise, these are definitely worth the trip to the salon.

Sunset Glitter

Reminiscent of the most vivid summer sunsets, this ombré manicure with a touch of glitter is sure to make a statement.

Euphoric Glitter

Get ready to embody ethereal vibes with this dazzling glitter manicure featuring a pastel pink, purple, and periwinkle gradient.

Lemon Sherbet

This stunning yellow and orange manicure makes us think of lemon sherbet, which never fails to be a refreshing summer treat—even in nail form. Bright enough to make your look more colorful but not so bright that it’s distracting, this manicure checks all our boxes.

Horizontal Pastel Rainbow

Horizontal ombré provides a less expected yet equally stunning take on the technique, and this pastel rainbow version is a gorgeous idea just in time for pride month.

Baby Pink Gradient

If you're looking for a simple way to dip your fingertips into the ombré look, a fun way to mix it up is with your favorite color. This baby pink has the vibes of a neutral yet still feels vivid and fun.

Gold Swirl Accent

Eclectic and cool are the first words that come to mind when we look at this manicure. From the neon green gradient to the gold swirls, this is an essential addition to your nail inspiration folder.

Midnight Ombré

If you love to wear dark hues year-round, switch it up for the warmer months with a deep, ultra-subtle ombré. This one is similar to the sunset-inspired designs, but in a deeper variation it has us thinking about the evenings that transition into hours spent under the stars.

Starry Night

Silver glitter with stars creates a glitzy, fun take on ombré nails, and they're definitely DIY friendly if you have a neutral base coat and a starry silver glitter polish.

Accented Mauve

We love a mauve moment but we don’t get to see mauve ombré nails that often, which makes these an ideal option if you like to mix up your manicure color palette.

Summer Glow

Pink and orange seems to be one of the most popular color combinations happening right now, and the hues flow together effortlessly in an ombré format. This one provides a dramatic shift right around where a French tip would be, creating a subtle optical illusion.

Art Deco

If you love the art deco mani trend, pair a dripping gold glitter ombré tip with ultra-fine white chevron (that feels anything but 2012) for a unique, creative look.

Read the original article on Byrdie.